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58-692: Ariffin Omar studied at St Xavier's Institution, Penang for his secondary school education. He then continued to study at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and later obtained a Bachelor's degree at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and in 1990, obtained a Doctorate degree from the Australia National University (ANU). He worked as a lecturer in Universiti Sains Malaysia (1974–2006) and

116-657: A Malay or a Siamese if they are not speaking their mother tongue. The only distinctive mark among them is their religion and language. Otherwise Malaysian Siamese are like Malays as they also speak fluent local Malay dialects. Majority of Malaysian Siamese can read and write in Thai because there is Thai language learning and teaching in the schools which were established inside the village temples since 1943. They also often follow news in Thailand, watch Thai dramas and listen to Thai music. The Malaysian Siamese often get patronage from

174-598: A Malaysian politician is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Penang Penang is a Malaysian state located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia along the Strait of Malacca . It has two parts: Penang Island , where the capital city, George Town , is located, and Seberang Perai on the Malay Peninsula . These two halves are physically connected by the Penang Bridge and

232-630: A fortress, Penang fell without struggle to the Imperial Japanese Army on 19 December 1941 after daily aerial attacks. The British covertly evacuated Penang's European populace; historian Raymond Callahan since contended that "the moral collapse of British rule in Southeast Asia came not at Singapore, but at Penang". Penang Island was subsequently renamed Tojo-to after Prime Minister Hideki Tojo . Japanese military police imposed order by massacring Chinese civilians under

290-399: A hilly and mostly forested interior. The island's coastal plains are narrow, with the most extensive plain located at the northeastern cape. George Town, which started off as a small settlement at the northeastern tip of the island, has expanded over the centuries to encompass the entire island, although the marshy western coast remains relatively underdeveloped. The highest point of the state

348-719: A lecturer at the University of Utah (1998) and was also a lecturer in Universiti Utara Malaysia and the National Defence University of Malaysia . He was also a founding member of Aliran Kesedaran Negara (Aliran), a reform movement dedicated to justice, freedom and solidarity. Now based at the Penang Institute, his research focuses on nation, nationalism, ethnic relations and religious freedom. This article about

406-529: A rotational basis, including Rifle Company Butterworth . With a land area of only 1,049 km (405 sq mi), Penang is the second smallest state in Malaysia after Perlis . It is located on the northwestern coastline of Peninsular Malaysia, lying between latitudes 5.59° and 5.12°N, and longitudes 100.17° and 100.56°E. The state is divided into two major halves by the Penang Strait , which

464-549: A significant role in strengthening communities and encouraging villagers to participate in traditional Buddhist ceremonies and rituals on important religious days like ( Uposatha Days , Magha Puja , Visakha Puja , Buddhist Lent (Vassa) , and End of Buddhist Lent (Kathina) ) to preserve the Siamese-Buddhist cultural identity. Most of them settled around temples and consider them as centers for holding religious ceremonies, cultural and social activities. There also exist

522-494: Is Penang Hill , which stands at a height of 833 m (2,733 ft) at the centre of the island. On the other hand, Seberang Perai has mostly flat topography, save for a hilly region along the eastern border with Kedah. Due to land scarcity in George Town, land reclamation projects have been undertaken at high-demand areas, particularly along the island's east coast. In 2023, a massive reclamation project commenced off

580-718: Is a relatively homogeneous cultural region to Southern Burma and Southern Thailand but was separated by the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Siam . The treaty established the modern Malaysia-Thailand Border which starts from Golok River in Kelantan and ends at Padang Besar in Perlis . Before this, there was a mass migration of Siamese from Nakhon Si Thammarat to

638-472: Is also divided into five administrative districts – two in George Town and three in Seberang Perai. Each district is headed by a district officer. The lands and district office in each district deals with land administration and revenue. Thus, it differs from the local governments that oversee the provision and maintenance of urban infrastructure. After Pakatan Rakyat was voted into power in 2008 ,

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696-476: Is home to the largest contingent of foreign diplomatic missions among Malaysian states . As of 2023 , a total of 27 countries have either established consulates or appointed honorary consuls within Penang. The Penang state government has also inked a sister state agreement with Japan's Kanagawa Prefecture and a friendship state partnership with China's Hainan Province . This list is based on information from

754-417: Is only 3 km (1.9 mi) wide at the narrowest point and 13 km (8.1 mi) at its widest. The state capital, George Town , encompasses the entirety of Penang Island and a few surrounding islets, including Jerejak , Betong , Kendi , Rimau and Andaman islands. On the other hand, the city of Seberang Perai covers the mainland side of Penang. Penang Island is irregularly shaped, with

812-571: Is the state's highest law, consisting of 42 articles that govern the proceedings and powers of the state government. The head of state is the Governor ( Malay : Yang di-Pertua Negeri ), who is appointed by the King of Malaysia . Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak is the current Governor of Penang, having assumed office in 2021. In practice, the Governor's role is largely symbolic and ceremonial. This includes

870-730: The Battle of Penang during which the Imperial German Navy cruiser SMS Emden sank two Allied warships off George Town. During the interwar years , the British had acknowledged the need to fortify their armed forces in northern Malaya. However, complacency and lack of resources left British forces ill-prepared to confront the Japanese invasion at the onset of the Pacific War . Although Penang Island had been designated as

928-590: The Description of Malacca , Portuguese cartographer Manuel Godinho de Erédia named it Pulo Pinaom . [REDACTED] British East India Company 1786–1858 [REDACTED] British Raj 1858–1867 [REDACTED]   Straits Settlements 1826–1941; 1945–1946 [REDACTED] Empire of Japan 1941–1945 [REDACTED]   Malayan Union 1946–1948 [REDACTED]   Federation of Malaya 1948–1963 [REDACTED]   Malaysia 1963–present Archaeologists have discovered human remains such as

986-696: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs , unless otherwise cited. In 1861, the Penang and Province Wellesley Volunteer Corps (P&PWVC) was established as the second volunteer military force in Malaya after the Singapore Volunteer Corps . Initially, the unit was exclusively formed by Europeans, with other races being barred until 1899. Over time, the P&;PWVC transformed into the 3rd Battalion of

1044-801: The Penang International Airport which is also the nation's third busiest in passenger traffic . Established by Francis Light in 1786, Penang became part of the Straits Settlements , a British crown colony also comprising Malacca and Singapore . During World War II , Japan occupied Penang, but the British regained control in 1945. Penang was later merged with the Federation of Malaya (now Malaysia), which gained independence in 1957. Penang's economy shifted from entrepôt trade to electronics manufacturing and

1102-526: The Second Penang Bridge . The state shares borders with Kedah to the north and east, and Perak to the south. Penang is one of Malaysia's most developed economic powerhouses, with the highest GDP per capita of all states , and the fourth highest Human Development Index after Kuala Lumpur , Selangor and Labuan . Penang is also Malaysia's leading exporter with over RM447 billion (US$ 108.94 billion) in exports in 2023, primarily through

1160-561: The Sook Ching policy, while women were forced into sexual slavery . Swettenham Pier was converted into a major submarine base by the Axis Powers . Between 1944 and 1945, Allied bombers from India targeted naval and administrative buildings in George Town , damaging and destroying several colonial buildings in the process. The Penang Strait was mined to restrict Japanese shipping. Following Japan's surrender , George Town

1218-638: The Straits Settlements Volunteer Force (SSVF) and by 1937, the unit also contained a European machine gun platoon, a Malay rifle company, a medical section and headquarters reserve. Although enlistment increased prior to the Japanese invasion of Malaya , 3rd Battalion SSVF was eventually evacuated from Penang without engaging in any combat. Since independence, the Malaysian federal government assumes sole responsibility for

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1276-685: The neoclassical State Assembly Building in George Town . Penang practises the Westminster system whereby the State Executive Council members are appointed from the elected State Assemblymen. Any amendment to Penang's Constitution requires the support of at least two-thirds of the State Legislative Assembly. Prior to a state election, it is customary to dissolve the legislature, which necessitates

1334-454: The tertiary sector throughout the late 20th century. With 1.74 million residents and a population density of 1,659/km (4,300/sq mi) as of 2020 , Penang is one of Malaysia's most densely populated and urbanised states. Seberang Perai is Malaysia's third largest city by population . Penang is culturally diverse with a population that includes Chinese , Malays , Indians , Eurasians, Siamese and expatriates. The name Penang comes from

1392-656: The "Penang Woman", along with seashells, pottery and stone tools, in Seberang Perai . The artifacts indicate that around 5,000 to 6,000 years ago, Penang was inhabited by nomadic Melanesians during the Neolithic era. Pali inscriptions on the Cherok Tok Kun megalith suggest the Hindu - Buddhist Bujang Valley civilisation, based in present-day Kedah , held authority over parts of Seberang Perai by

1450-490: The 6th century. The entirety of Penang later formed part of Kedah , which came under Siamese suzerainty by the late 18th century. Penang's modern history began in 1786 when Francis Light , a representative of the British East India Company (EIC), obtained Penang Island from Sultan Abdullah Mukarram Shah of Kedah in exchange for military aid. Light had been sent to the Malay Peninsula by

1508-567: The EIC to build trade relations in the region, where he saw the strategic potential of Penang Island as a "convenient magazine for trade" that could enable the British to check Dutch and French territorial ambitions in Southeast Asia . After negotiating an agreement with the Sultan, Light and his entourage landed on Penang Island on 17 July that year and took formal possession of the island "in

1566-530: The Prince of Wales Island in 1791. However, the attempt was defeated by EIC forces and the Sultan sued for peace. An annual payment of 6,000 Spanish dollars was agreed in exchange for British sovereignty over the island. In 1800, Lieutenant-Governor George Leith secured a strip of hinterland across the Penang Strait , which was subsequently named Province Wellesley (now Seberang Perai ). The EIC gained permanent sovereignty over both Prince of Wales Island and

1624-573: The authority to appoint the head of government and approve legislation that has been passed by the state's legislature. The Penang state government has its own executive body and legislature, but their powers are limited compared to the Malaysian federal government . According to the Federal Constitution , the state can legislate on matters pertaining to Malay customs, land, agriculture and forestry, local government, civil and water works, and state administration. Matters falling under

1682-550: The city's southern coast to build the 920 ha (2,300-acre) Silicon Island, envisioned as a new hub for high-tech manufacturing and commerce. Following years of reclamation works, the Gurney Drive shoreline is also being transformed into Gurney Bay , intended as "a new iconic waterfront destination for Penang". The major rivers within Penang include the Pinang , Perai , Muda and Kerian rivers. The Muda River serves as

1740-628: The city. Resentment against the Barisan Nasional (BN) administration led to the Pakatan Rakyat bloc (now Pakatan Harapan ) rising to power through the 2008 state election . Efforts to preserve George Town's heritage architecture led to the city's historical core being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that year. Penang, a former British crown colony , is one of the four Malaysian states without hereditary monarchies. The Constitution of Penang , codified in 1957,

1798-417: The consent of the Governor . The 2023 state election witnessed an unprecedented alliance between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and its erstwhile adversaries Barisan Nasional (BN). The PH–BN alliance currently commands a supermajority in the State Legislative Assembly, controlling 29 out of the 40 seats. However, the election also saw the right-wing Perikatan Nasional (PN) opposition bloc gaining ground in

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1856-744: The country's defence. Penang houses the Malaysian Army 's 2nd Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment and Rejimen 509 Askar Wataniah , which traces its lineage back to the P&PWVC. The Royal Malaysian Navy maintains a volunteer reserve base in George Town . RMAF Butterworth Air Base also serves as the headquarters of the Five Power Defence Arrangements Integrated Area Defence System (HQIADS). The air base continues to host Australian air force and army units on

1914-613: The development of hitherto rural areas such as Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam . However, the population growth created social problems such as inadequate sanitation, health facilities and rampant crime, culminating in street violence and rioting in 1867 . The Straits Settlements became a British crown colony within the same year. Direct British rule led to improved law enforcement, and investments in health care and public transportation in Penang. Owing to enhanced access to education, active participation of Asian residents in municipal affairs and substantial press freedom, George Town

1972-536: The economy, Chief Minister Lim Chong Eu established the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone in 1972. Massive industrialisation proved instrumental in reversing Penang's economic slump and led to the state's rapid economic growth until the late 1990s. Under Lim's tenure, the Penang Bridge , the first road link between Penang Island and the Malay Peninsula , was built. Persistent brain drain, aggravated by federal policies prioritising

2030-539: The first fully-elected municipality in Malaya by 1956 and was granted city status by Queen Elizabeth II in the following year. This made George Town the first city within the Federation of Malaya, and by extension, Malaysia. George Town's status as a free port was rescinded by the Malaysian federal government in 1969. This led to a loss of maritime trade, causing massive unemployment and brain drain . To revive

2088-546: The fourteen provinces of Southern Thailand as well as the southernmost Burmese. The Malaysian Siamese lead a way of life similar to other Malaysian Malays. Malaysian Siamese still have the strong belief and practices of Buddhism while the Malaysian Malays have adopted Islam since the 14th century. The Malaysian Siamese are well established in the northernmost states of Malaysia, namely Perlis, Kedah, Perak, Penang, Terengganu and Kelantan. One could not differentiate

2146-553: The growth of Kuala Lumpur, resulted in Penang losing its leading position in the national economy by the 21st century. This decline, compounded by various issues including incoherent urban planning, poor traffic management and the dilapidation of George Town's heritage enclave following the repeal of the Rent Control Act in 2001, contributed to growing dissatisfaction within Penang's society. In response, civil societies in George Town mobilised public support to rejuvenate

2204-484: The impending annexation of Penang into the vast Malay heartland proved unpopular among Penangites. The Penang Secessionist Committee was formed in 1948 due to economic and ethnic concerns, but their attempt to avert Penang's merger with Malaya was unsuccessful due to British disapproval. To relieve the concerns raised by the secessionists, the British government guaranteed George Town's free port status and reintroduced municipal elections in 1951. George Town became

2262-414: The joint purview of state and federal authorities include social welfare, wildlife protection and national parks, scholarships, husbandry, town planning, drainage and irrigation, and public health regulations. The 40-member Penang State Legislative Assembly forms the state's legislature and is elected for a maximum term of five years from single-member constituencies through state elections . Compared to

2320-475: The majority in 25 of the 40 state constituencies . Thus, non-Malay electoral support is crucial to any political coalition aiming for power in Penang. The Penang State Executive Council is the executive authority of the Penang state government , similar in function to the federal Cabinet . It is led by the Chief Minister , who serves as the head of government in Penang. To this day, Penang remains

2378-494: The maritime route between Lingga and Kedah . The Siamese , who were the overlords of Kedah, called it Ko Mak ( Thai : เกาะหมาก ). Maritime explorers also took note of the island's abundance of areca nut. During the 15th century, Admiral Zheng He of Ming China referred to the island as Bīngláng Yǔ ( traditional Chinese : 檳榔嶼 ; simplified Chinese : 槟榔屿 ; Pe̍h-ōe-jī : Pin-nn̂g-sū ; lit. 'areca nut island') in his navigational charts. In

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2436-465: The modern Malay name Pulau Pinang which means ' areca nut island'. Penang is also colloquially referred to as the "Pearl of the Orient" and "The Island of Pearls" ( Malay : Pulau Mutiara ). Over the course of history, Penang Island had been known by different names by seafarers from various regions. The locals named it Pulo Ka Satu , meaning "The First Island", as it was the largest island on

2494-484: The name of King George III of England" on 11 August. The island was renamed Prince of Wales Island after the heir to the British throne and the new settlement of George Town was established in honour of King George III. Unbeknownst to Sultan Abdullah, Light had acted without the authority or the consent of his superiors in India . When the EIC reneged on military protection, the Sultan launched an attempt to recapture

2552-429: The new mainland territory, while the annual payment to the Sultan of Kedah was increased to 10,000 Spanish dollars. The British and Malaysian governments maintained the annual payments to Kedah until 2018, when the Malaysian federal government increased the amount by RM10 million yearly. George Town grew rapidly as a free port and a conduit for spice trade , diverting maritime commerce away from Dutch outposts in

2610-553: The newly-elected state government attempted to reinstate local government elections within Penang, which have been suspended since the 1960s. At the time, the Barisan Nasional -controlled federal government objected to the move, which eventually led to the Federal Court 's decision that local government elections do not fall under the jurisdiction of state governments. The present-day Malaysian judicial system traces its roots to 19th-century George Town . In 1807, Penang

2668-530: The northern Malay states seeking refuge following a civil war waged by Taksin of Thonburi against Nakhon ruler Nu in 1769. In 2000, the national statistics cited 50,211 individuals of Siamese ethnicity in Malaysia. Among these, 38,353 (or 76.4% of them) hold Malaysian citizenship. The Malaysian Siamese community share cultural similarities with the natives who inhabit the Malay Peninsula . Community activities, ethnolinguistic identity and languages spoken by Malaysian Siamese are similar to their brethren in

2726-655: The northern border between Seberang Perai and Kedah , while the Kerian River forms part of the southern boundary between Seberang Perai, Kedah and Perak . Penang has a tropical rainforest climate under the Köppen climate classification ( Af ). The state experiences relatively consistent temperatures throughout the course of the year, with an average high of about 32 °C and an average low of 24°C. Penang's proximity to Sumatra makes it susceptible to dust particles carried by wind from transient forest fires that create

2784-604: The only Malaysian state where the position of the head of government has been continuously held by an ethnic Chinese since the nation's independence. Additionally, Penang was the first state to impose a two-term limit for the head of government's tenure. The current Chief Minister of Penang is Chow Kon Yeow of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), having assumed office after the 2018 state election . The unicameral 40-seat Penang State Legislative Assembly , whose members are called State Assemblymen, convenes at

2842-449: The perennial Southeast Asian haze . The Penang Meteorological Office at Bayan Lepas is the primary weather forecast facility for northwestern Malaysia. In spite of rapid urbanisation, Penang has managed to preserve a significant portion of its natural environment. Within the state, 7,761 ha (77.61 km ) have been designated as protected forest reserves. In 2021, the 12,481 ha (124.81 km ) Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve

2900-510: The region's premier entrepôt , Singapore became the capital instead in 1832. Despite its secondary importance to Singapore, George Town retained its importance as a vital British entrepôt. Towards the end of the 19th century, it became a major tin exporter and Malaya 's primary financial centre. Penang's prosperity attracted a cosmopolitan population comprising Chinese , Malay , Indian , Peranakan , Siamese and migrants of mixed European-Asian lineage referred to as "Eurasians", and led to

2958-513: The region. In 1805, Penang became a separate presidency of British India , sharing similar status with Bombay and Madras . By 1808, George Town had established its local government, while the founding of the Supreme Court of Penang marked the birth of Malaysia's modern judiciary. In 1826, George Town was made the capital of the Straits Settlements which included Singapore and Malacca . As Singapore soon supplanted George Town as

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3016-417: The rest of Peninsular Malaysia , Penang's electoral landscape is perceived as being more liberal and distinct due to the state's ethnic diversity and socio-economic development. Unlike other Peninsular states, ethnic Chinese have formed the plurality in Penang for decades, and the state's economic infrastructure is based primarily on commerce and trade rather than agriculture. As of 2023 , non-Malays formed

3074-414: The rural Malay-majority constituencies, occupying the remaining 11 seats in the legislature. Penang is further divided into two city-level municipalities, each administered by a local government . The local governments exercise power in areas such as planning and development control, public housing, public spaces, waste disposal, business licensing, markets, local transport, and municipal roads. Penang

3132-452: The state governments for their community's well-being. Often, temples are given generous fundings by Thailand's government. Their community are also known for the making of traditional medicine. The Malaysian Siamese predominantly profess Buddhism and the predominant form of Buddhism is Theravāda Buddhism which is centred in their place of worship called Wat . The Malaysian Siamese's lives are closely tied to their temples (Wat). Monks have

3190-890: Was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in recognition of the area's biodiversity. The gazetted nature reserve includes the Penang National Park , which covers 2,562 ha (25.62 km ) of the northwestern tip of the island. It has been identified as one of the state's ecotourism destinations, alongside the Penang Botanic Gardens and the Tropical Spice Garden. Economic sectors in Penang by GDP share (2023) Malaysian Siamese The Malaysian Siamese ( Malay : Orang Siam Malaysia ) are an ethnicity or community who principally resides in Peninsular Malaysia which

3248-603: Was granted a Royal Charter which paved the way for the establishment of a Supreme Court. In the following year, the Supreme Court of Penang (now Penang High Court ) was inaugurated at Fort Cornwallis with the appointment of Edmond Stanley as the first Recorder. The Penang High Court serves as the highest court in the state. Notable lawyers who served the high court include Tunku Abdul Rahman , Cecil Rajendra and Karpal Singh . There are also four Magistrates Courts and two Sessions Courts throughout Penang. Penang

3306-534: Was perceived as being more intellectually receptive than Singapore. The settlement attracted intellectuals and revolutionaries, including Rudyard Kipling , Somerset Maugham and Sun Yat-sen . In 1910, Sun selected George Town as the centre for the Tongmenghui 's political activities in Southeast Asia, aimed at overthrowing the Qing dynasty . Penang emerged from World War I relatively unscathed, apart from

3364-611: Was the first Malayan settlement liberated by British marines through Operation Jurist on 3 September 1945. Penang was placed under British military administration until 1946, after which the Straits Settlements was abolished. The British sought to consolidate the various political entities in British Malaya , including the Crown Colony of Penang , under a single polity known as the Malayan Union . Initially,

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